When a fire breaks into your home, the last thing you think about is how long and complex the restoration process can be. Once everyone is safe and the fire has been extinguished, you are left with a difficult task: learn how to restore fire damage. Not keeping up with the billing process can leave you with many uncertainties, which add to an already stressful scenario.
As a knowledgeable figure in the fire restoration industry, Restore-It has extensive experience dealing with fire damage and the bureaucratic chaos that can ensue. As educators, we are ready to share our experience working with insurance companies and address our client's most common questions and concerns.
We are here to tell you all about the billing process to help you navigate the complex sea that can be the restoration process. From the initial inspection to the final payment and all the questions you may have in between, we will give you the insights you need for smooth sailing. So let's get ready to learn together!
Billing and fire damage restoration: the most frequent questions from clients
Whether the fire came from the kitchen or it was the cause of a defect in wiring installation, once our team at Restore-It is contacted, there will be some paperwork to deal with. To help you make informed decisions, we have compiled the most pressing questions regarding the billing process.
1. How is the cost of fire damage restoration determined?
After you book an appointment, we will send a technician for an inspection. His job will consist of assessing the damage, documenting it, and finally inputting the information into a software called Xactimate. This tool sets the industry standard for calculating the initial estimation.
This estimate will be given to you in a form that includes a list of all the restoration tasks and their respective costs, which will be reflected on your final bill. We mean equipment, repair materials, extra fees, and work hours. Along with this form, you will also get a work authorization form to let our technicians begin with the restoration project.
Your insurance (depending on your premium and deductible) will determine how much of the total cost it covers. However, you are responsible for any part of the final bill not paid by the insurance.
Once the restoration project has been completed, we will invoice you for the final bill. More damage may be found during the work, so you must discuss with your insurance whether any extra payments are their responsibility or yours. Finally, after everything is settled, you and your insurer have 30 calendar days to pay the total amount of the bill.
2. Do you offer free estimates or inspections?
No. The initial inspection has a fixed cost, and if you are willing to work with us for the rest of the restoration project, that cost can be added to your final bill.
3. Will you bill my insurance company directly?
We will bill you both and document the entire process. If you want to, we can share this information with your insurer to speed up your insurance claim.
4. What information do you need to work with my insurance?
Please provide all the contact information of your insurance adjuster and inform them that we are handling your restoration project.
5. Are there additional charges for emergency services outside of regular business hours?
Yes. We charge an additional fee for emergency calls.
6. Are there extra fees for out-of-town jobs?
Yes. While we serve all of Southern Arkansas, our main shop is located in El Dorado, so any restoration project outside of the city adds to the cost due to travel time.
7. What payment methods do you accept?
We take credit and debit cards.
8. Do you offer payment plans?
We don't currentlyWe don't currently offer payment plans, so you must pay within the previously agreed-upon 30 calendar days after the project is finished.
9. Are there any late fees?
Yes. Failure to pay on time will result in a 1% monthly late fee on the total price of your restoration project.
10. Will my insurance cover all types of fire damage?
Generally speaking, yes. The only case when an insurer may not cover your fire damage restoration project is if the Fire Department determines the fire was provoked and not accidental. The investigation turns criminal in those cases, and payment (and other legal responsibilities) will probably fall under the perpetrator.
11. What are insurance deductibles, and how do they work?
Basically, you are responsible for a fixed amount or percentage of the bill (determined by an estimation of your property's price). These amounts can vary greatly for different property owners, so make sure you understand your policy insurance and coverage.
12. What happens if my insurance doesn't cover the full cost?
You will be responsible for the payment as out-of-pocket expenses.
13. Does your pricing include post-restoration cleaning and disposal of damaged materials?
Yes, it does. Our fire damage restoration process includes comprehensive services that start with the initial inspection and end once your property has been fully restored to its pre-damaged condition.
14. Do I have to wait for my insurance adjuster to arrive to begin restoration?
No, we do not recommend it. When a fire breaks into a building, the soot, smoke, and water (from firefighting efforts) can further damage the place and your personal property. Mitigation is a battle against time, so you should prioritize contacting us as soon as the Fire Department deems the fire has been extinguished and the property is safe.
15. What will my insurance company not cover during the restoration project?
When there is fire damage, building materials will have to be removed and replaced, and your insurance company will pay for this as long as the materials are the same or close quality to the original ones. Any "upgrade" you may want (for example, high-quality wood flooring instead of the original carpet flooring you had) will be considered an out-of-pocket expense, making it your responsibility.
It is not unlikely to feel a bit lost when dealing with all the paperwork that comes with fire damage restoration. But you don't have to let your worries get the best of you. Knowing the ins and outs of the billing process will help you feel more confident about the next steps. At Restore-I, we are ready to help you with any inquiries you may still have and would love to guide you through your fire damage restoration project. Contact us for an estimate and navigate this journey like an experienced captain.
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